Renovation Realities

The Wenzl Job

Tom and Charise Wenzl are the proud new owners of a split-level fixer-upper in Mount Vernon, Wash. Unfortunately, much of the interior of the house is in too poor condition to save. Before they can officially move in, Tom and Charise are tearing most everything out and starting all over. The renovation is wrought with mishaps from the beginning and small victories are far and few between. For every step Tom and Charise take forward, the house seems determined to push them 12 steps back. With every job turning into more work, more time and more money than expected, the couple feels more inclined to hold an exorcism for all the house's demons rather than continue on with the renovation.